Born in village Bharyal Lahri of Pathankot, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji set a unique example in his lifetime. At a time when we see many so-called ‘Babas’ opening Deras everywhere, Baba Ji preferred to convert his ancestral home in Bharyal Lahri into a school instead of a Dera. It is rare to find such an example in the modern materialistic times.
Shiromani Panth Ratan, Vidya Martand, Padma Shri Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji established Akal Academy Bharyal Lahri in 1996 to make it a beacon of education in this backward rural area. Thus, Baba Ji’s noble endeavor provided an opportunity to the children of the needy people of the village to get values-based quality education at a very low cost at their doorstep instead of going to the expensive schools of the cities. Today, more than 1,000 rural children are reaching greater heights of success in all walks of life by getting quality education in CBSE affiliated Akal Academy Bharyal Lahri.
The devout disciple of Sant Attar Singh Ji and Sant Teja Singh Ji, M.A., L.L.B. (Punjab); AM (Harvard), Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji devoted his entire life to fulfill the mission of his divine mentors. In the present age of Kali Yuga (the dark era), blending scientific education with spiritual ethos, he led the rural education revolution to produce good global citizens and to save the young generation from social evils.
Under this noble mission, most of the 129 Akal Academies run by The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib, are CBSE affiliated. Thousands of students have excelled in academics. Several of them are pursuing higher education abroad, whereas a number of them have been posted to senior positions.
All these Academies are located in blissful and peaceful places far away from the dust and din of the city; and their spacious and airy buildings are pleasing to one and all. Morning of these academies begins with the recitation of the Divine Name. Keeping in view the significance of the English language in modern times, a supportive and enriched learning environment is provided to the students enabling them to be fluent in reading, writing and speaking English. Free education is provided by the ‘Trust’ to the children of Granthis, Ragis, Parcharaks besides to the children of the farmers who committed suicide due to severe debt crisis.
Under the 'Mata Bholi Kaur Scheme', The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib is providing free education to several children belonging to poor families. Under the guidance of Baba Dr. Davinder Singh Ji, President, The Kalgidhar Trust, these Academies are reaching new heights in the field of academics and spirituality in which parents take pride in enrolling their children. These Academies have an invaluable contribution in empowering youth to create an ideal society by providing values-based quality education, saving them from drugs and other social evils and helping them to secure a bright, promising and safe future.